text:
Car Hire Portugal - Rent a Car
BlueAlliance - Car Hire in Faro, Lisbon, Porto , Estoril Cascais......
Car hire in Portugal has never been so easy!
Book your car now at our site and have the car you selected waiting at the location you want.
The brand Bluealliance is used by 2 portuguese car rental enterprises: Realcar - Rent a Car and Lusorent - Rent a Car.
This partnership was created in order to offer more rental locations to the clients. Bluealliance is represented at the major locations throughout Portugal.
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These Terms and Conditions are valid from 01-01-2014 on
3. Bluealliance General Conditions
3.1.5 Use of the Vehicle and driving in Spain
3.1.7 The general daily fee comprises
3.1.11 Returnable Fee Deposit/ Deposit in credit card
3.1.12 Pickup of the Vehicle/ Necessary documents
3.1.13 Delay in Return of Vehicle
3.1.16 Liability - Competent Authorities
4. Online Reservations Conditions
4.8 Flight Delay – Airport pickups
4.9 Changes to Reservation – Modification/Cancellation
4.10 Failure to Pickup the Vehicle / No Show
5.3 Credit Card Data Protection
BLUEALLIANCE (registered brand nº 494457 and 485425 in the Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial ''Portuguese National Institute of the industrial property'') is a brand jointly owned by two rent-a-car companies, Realcar Ltd. and Lusorent Ltd. Both companies seek to enlarge their business networks and maintain closer relations with its Customers. Every item in this "Terms and Conditions" document is common to both companies. Therefore, when BLUEALLIANCE is stated one should also read "BLUEALLIANCE's Local Partner". These "Terms & Conditions" are not a valid rental agreement. Rental services will be provided after a Rental Service Agreement is signed between BLUEALLIANCE or any of its Local Partners and the Customer, as the person who signs the rental agreement. This document states the applicable terms and conditions of the rental services provided by BLUEALLIANCE through its website www.bluealliance.pt. The rental services provided by BLUEALLIANCE are available to anyone, person or entity, that specifically desires to acquire them. For that purpose, a valid registry must be conducted online, as well an agreement to these "Terms and Conditions". These "Terms and Conditions" state the rules generally applied to the services provided by Local Partners, together with specific sets of conditions applicable to rental agreements. These "Terms and Conditions", as well as any other referred document, are mandatory and binding, as for without expressed acceptance, Users are denied access to Online Reservation. Therefore, they will not be eligible to acquire BLUEALLIANCE's car rental services. BLUEALLIANCE reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to change, modify or otherwise update the contents of these "Terms and Conditions" at any time. Such changes shall be effective immediately upon posting or communicated to the User/Customer, whichever occurs first.
Rental Agreement – a contract requiring a payment for the temporary use of a good, service or property owned by another party.
Local Partner – The BLUEALLANCE Group is formed by two rent-a-car companies, Realcar and Lusorent, that will be here-on referred to as Local Partners, and by whom rental services will be provided
User – person who has access to and uses BLUEALLIANCE's website
Customer – registered user in BLUEALLIANCE's website, who is identified in the Reservation as Main Driver.
Main Driver – person who signs the rental agreement and who is entitled to drive the vehicle.
Young Driver – person who owns a valid driving licence for a period of less than 2 years and/or is between the ages of 21 and 23 years old.
Pickup of the vehicle – moment when the vehicle is given to the Main Driver
Return of the vehicle – moment when the vehicle is returned to the rental company.
Contractual coverage – in case of damage or vehicle loss, this guarantee limits the liability of the person who signs the rental agreement to the value of the deductible fee. This coverage is variable according to the available options.
CDW+TP (minimum coverage)– Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection (excluding luggage). It requires a deductible fee for every accident/theft event and its amount varies according to vehicle category.
Deductible fee – the maximum amount of damage liability for the Main Driver. Calculated for every occurrence.
Driver's minimum age- there´s a minimum driver's age for every vehicle grupo. Can be consulted online.
Main Driver must be aged 21 or over to rent a car.
Main Driver must hold and produce a valid driving licence for a least a year before renting a car. This applies also to Additional Drivers. Foreign Customers must hold a driving licence valid in Portugal.
Drivers holding a valid driving licence for less than 2 years and/ or aged 23 years or less are subject to a daily fee.
The rental duration is calculated using 24-hour periods, starting from the time and date of the Reservation Confirmation, and not from the time the vehicle is effectively picked up.
Rental periods range from 1 day (minimum) to 365 days.
3.1.5 Use of the Vehicle and driving in Spain
BLUEALLIANCE's vehicles can only be used in Portugal and only certain vehicle groups in Spain. In this last case only for those vehicle groups where in the second step of the online booking process (see 4.2) the extra ''Driving in Spain'' appears. A daily fee will be charged.
The vehicle is only insured for use by the authorized Drivers in the rental agreement and for circulation in the permitted countries. Should this not apply, the selected contractual coverage ceases its validity.
BLUEALLIANCE Service Rates are stated in the price lists applicable in the time of rental. Price lists are available in the website or at our offices.
BLUEALLIANCE rates are determined according to 24-hour periods and include the legal VAT
3.1.7 The general daily fee comprises:
a) VAT
b) Unlimited Mileage
c) 24 Hours Road Assistance in case of mechanical problems or other situations stated in the Contractual Coverage
d) Civil Responsibility insurance Coverage valued up to the legal amount.
e) CDW+TP coverage, according to the chosen Contractual Coverage, limiting the liability of the Main Driver to the value of the deductible fee.
The Final Rates stated in the Reservation Confirmation do not include:
a) all extras and expenses not stated in the Reservation Confirmation e-mail
b) any optional service not included in the Reservation Confirmation e-mail for which the Main Driver might be liable
c) all vehicle damages found at the time of the Return of Vehicle that are not included in the Contractual Coverage
Fuel expenses are not included in the rental rates. The vehicle is delivered with a full tank, and the Main Driver is expected to return it with a full tank. If the Main Driver fails to do so, BLUEALLIANCE will charge for the remaining estimated fuel expense.
The voucher acquired by the Main Driver can be traded for the rental services described in the Reservation Confirmation. Other services and additional equipment the Main Driver should require with the Local Partner will be charged at the vehicle pickup.
3.1.11 Returnable Fee Deposit/ Deposit in credit card
BLUEALLIANCE will demand a Returnable Fee Deposit at the pickup of the vehicle. The value of the Returnable Fee will be calculated according to the chosen vehicle group and Contractual Coverage. This value can be consulted at www.bluealliance.pt at the second step of the online booking Process (see 4.2). This deposit will be stated in the Rental Agreement and can only be paid for by a valid credit card VISA or MASTERCARD, belonging to the Main Driver. An authorization will be requested to the bank prior to the rental of the vehicle. At the end of the Rental Period, when the vehicle is returned and only after every expense in the Rental Agreement is fully paid for, the authorization will be cancelled. The Returnable Fee can and will be used, should any situation of non-compliance with the present document or the subsequent Rental Agreement arise, such as:
a) any damage to the vehicle that is not covered by the Contractual Coverage
b) any damage caused to additional equipment
c) difference in fuel expenses
d) extra days or hours
The Main Driver must guarantee that the maximum limit of the produced credit card covers the value of the Returnable Fee. Otherwise the Reservation will be cancelled with no refund for any payment already made.
3.1.12 Pickup of the Vehicle –Necessary documents
The vehicle must be collected by the Main Driver, who must produce the following valid documents at the time of the pickup:
a) Identification document
b) Valid Driving Licence
c) Valid Credit Card with a limit that is not inferior to that of the Returnable Fee
No copies will be accepted, as well as documents that are no longer valid. All documents have to be valid to Portuguese Authorities. If the Main Driver fails to present said documents, the Reservation will be cancelled with no refund for any payment already made.
When renting a Commercial Vehicle, the Main Driver has full responsibility in producing and presenting all necessary documents for the Transportation of Products. BLUEALLIANCE is not responsible in any way, should the Main Driver fail to do so.
3.1.13 Delay in Return of Vehicle
Any delay in returning the vehicle will be considered starting from the Return Time indicated in the Rental Agreement.
BLUEALLIANCE includes a 1-hour grace-period in its rates. After that period, and up to 3-hours in delay, an Additional Fee equivalent to a Daily Rental Fee will be applied, including all the chosen extras. If the delay surpasses a 3-hour period, the applicable fee will be the Extra Daily Fee mentioned in the Rental Agreement, including all the chosen extras.
BLUEALLIANCE will make no refund in the following circumstances:
a) If the vehicle is returned prior to the end of the rental period stated in the Reservation Confirmation
b) if the Main Driver changes the reservation, and the final Rental Fee is inferior to the initial fee stated in the Reservation Confirmation
Neither party shall be liable for failure in its performance regarding both the Rental Agreement and these Terms and Conditions caused by any case of Force Majeure. Force Majeure shall be defined as any irresistible or unforeseeable event, which prevents either party from fulfilling its obligations. The party claiming Force Majeure shall put it in writing and produce valid justification.
In the case of a guaranteed reservation, and prior to signing the Rental Agreement, the transaction will be cancelled and BLUEALLIANCE will refund the Main Driver of the prepaid charge that has been collected and will cease its obligations with respect to the transaction.
3.1.16 Liability - Competent Authorities
These Terms and Conditions are issued under Portuguese Law. Any dispute arising from these Terms and Conditions, or in connection with any contract signed in the terms of this document, will be directed to the Lisbon Courts and no other jurisdiction.
BLUEALLIANCE has a selection of Additional Equipment and Services. Overcharges apply.
3.2.1 Additional Coverage (online you can consult the value of these options, as well as the associated Excess and deposit to be left in credit card)
a) FR- medium coverage reduces the Excess. Covers collision, damage, waiver and theft of the car (luggage not included).
b) SCDW- maximum coverage – No Excess in case of collision, damage, waiver and theft of the car (luggage not included). It also includes coverage for isolated glass breakage (QIV).
c) PAI –personal accident insurance (cannot be included online. Has to be asked for at the pickup of the car)
Note: damages to tires will only be covered as a result of a collision or accident. Glass damages are also subject to the excess applied to the chosen coverage.
a) GPS – GPS Navigation System (a 100€ fee will be applied in case of loss or damage to the equipment)
b) Child Seat (children with 9- 18kg). (a 75€ fee will be applied in case of loss or damage to the equipment)
c) Child Seat (children with 15-36kg). (a 75€ fee will be applied in case of loss or damage to the equipment)
a) Young Driver Fee- the client should choose this option, case he owns a valid driving licence for a period of less than 2 years and/or is between the ages of 21 and 23 years old. Online you can choose this option only for 1 driver. Case more drivers meet these criteria, the respective fees will be charged at the pickup.
b) Driving in Spain – If the driver wants to travel with the Bluealliance vehicle to Spain, this option must be chosen.
c) Additional driver. This option should be chosen, if the car is to be driven by other people than the driver. Online you can only add 1 extra driver. At the pickup you can ask for more additional drivers. Charges will apply.
d) Airport Service Fee – applied to Rental Agreements starting in airports
e) Oneway Fee – applied to rentals where the return rental location is other than the pickup one
f) After-Hours Fee (20h – 08h) – applied to rentals where the pickup or return takes place outside normal service hours.
Registered:If the client has a registered driver profile with Bluealliance or any of its Local partners, we will only need your email and password. If the password is not to be remembered, a password recovery email can be asked for and the password can then also be changed.
Not registered: A submission form has to be filled for not registered drivers
Step 1: ''Choose a car'' -Selection of the required Service – choice of vehicle, rental locations and dates.
Step 2: ''Choose the Extras'' -Rental Details – selection and view of the rental details (Extras)
Step 3: ''Your Data'' – Main Driver's Information – the Main Driver's personal Data must be provided in this form
Step 4: - Payment or Reservation Request
Payment: if the vehicle of choice is available for the requested dates and locations, the Main Driver will be redirected to Redunicre's web platform to perform a secure payment (using https). Reservation is immediately confirmed after the payment is made.
Reservation Request: if the vehicle of choice happens to be in LOW Availability Status, BLUEALLIANCE.pt will forward a Reservation Request to its Department of Reservations. In this case, no payment will be asked at this phase. The client will then receive another email in order to make the payment; case the chosen car is available.
At the end of the booking process, the Main Driver will receive a confirmation email containing the details of the reservation. This email should be printed and produced at the time of vehicle pickup.
BLUEALLIANCE can only effectively guarantee Vehicle Group availability. Specific brands and models are subject to Local Partner availability at the time of vehicle pickup.
In order to book a vehicle at www.bluealliance.pt there´s a minimum and a maximum time advance.
At ''Rental Details'' (2nd step of the online booking Process), the client can add the Extras (Additional Coverage, Equipment and Fees).
The total value will appear at the same page. All the choices will be mentioned in the reservation Confirmation.
Please refer to Online Payment Conditions (as stated in item 5).
BLUEALLIANCE is required to provide the requested vehicle category, as confirmed at the time of reservation, subject to the Local Partner rental requirements and only after the Rental Agreement is signed by both parties.
If the vehicle category cannot be provided, BLUEALLIANCE will provide alternative solutions at no additional cost to the Main Driver.
4.8 Flight Delay – Airport pickups
BLUEALLIANCE offers a "Meet and Greet Service" for Airport Pickups and Deliveries. The Main Driver must fill in the form with the Flight Number (at the 3rd step of the booking Process), and BLUEALLIANCE will have an Employee waiting on arrival and up to one-hour after the estimated landing time. After this period, BLUEALLIANCE should be contacted directly.
If the flight lands outside of normal service hours, an After-Hours Fee may apply.
4.9 Changes to Reservation – Modification/Cancellation
All modifications and cancellations must be sent to BLUEALLIANCE by email, together with a copy of the Reservation Confirmation. Requests will become effective as soon as BLUEALLIANCE receives the communication. The email address used should be the one associated with the reservation.
Modification/Cancellation fees may apply, and require BLUEALLIANCE to ask for a new Payment Confirmation.
In case of Cancellation:
a) Up to 7 days prior to due pick up date, an Administrative Fee of 25,00€ will apply.
b) Between 7 and 4 days prior to due pick up date, an Additional Fee of 10% (of total amount paid in the Reservation) will be charged, together with an Administrative Charge of 25,00€.
c) Between 4 and 2 days prior to due pick up date, an Additional Fee of 30% (of total amount paid in the Reservation) will be charged, together with an Administrative Charge of 25,00€.
d) After 48-hours prior and until due pick up date and time, no value will be refunded.
Note: If the total of the paid reservation is inferior to the Administrative Fee (a) or the administrative Fee together with the additional fee (b,c and d), only the amount paid will be charged
4.10 Failure to Pickup the Vehicle / No Show
BLUEALLIANCE will not make any refund should the Main Driver fail to collect the vehicle in the date and time indicated in the Reservation Confirmation, without a Cancellation request.
When making an online reservation, the User voluntarily gives personal information to BLUEALLIANCE. This information is kept in a digital database and under Portuguese Law. Users have the right to access, update, correct or delete the information at any time, if desired and upon request to Bluealliance.
When making a payment through BLUEALLIANCE's website, www.bluealliance.pt, the Customer is accepting the purchase of a valid service voucher which is sold by Realcar – Turismo e Aluguer de Automóveis Lda. with the NIF 500347077, for the agreed value in the Reservation Confirmation.The voucher will only be issued after all services mentioned in the Reservation are fully paid for. The voucher can be traded at counter at BLUEALLIANCE's Local Partners. The email confirmation of the paid Reservation is personal and non-transmittable.
Online payment is available only through Credit Card. The card must belong to the Main Driver. Only VISA and MASTERCARD are accepted. Payment is accepted in accordance with the limits authorized by the credit card issuer.
The payment authorizes BLUEALLIANCE to charge the credit card for the described amount.
5.3 Credit Card Data Protection
Online payment is provided by Redunicre, using Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (https://).
BLUEALLIANCE does not have access to any credit card data at the moment of the payment of the reservation.
Online tariffs are not subject to reductions or accumulable with other promotional offers, except if mentioned in this website.
These "Terms and Conditions", as well as the documents: Conditions of the Bluealliance Rental Agreement + Data Treatment and Protection Policy, regulate BLUEALLIANCE's rental services to its Customers. When making an online reservation using BLUEALLIANCE's website www.bluealliance.pt, the Main Driver declares having read and fully understood these "Terms and Conditions". The use of the BLUEALLIANCE website signifies agreement with these Terms. By accepting the "Terms and Conditions" the Main Driver declares to be over the legal age to make a contract agreement, in accordance to Portuguese Law. Any person, who is underaged or has no legal capacity to make a valid contract agreement, cannot in any way acquire the services that BLUEALLIANCE and its Local Partners have to offer.
BLUEALLIANCE (registered brand nº 494457 and 485425 in the Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial ''Portuguese National Institute of the industrial property'') is a brand jointly owned by two rent-a-car companies, Realcar Ltd. and Lusorent Ltd. Every item in this "Terms and Conditions" document is common to both companies. Therefore, when BLUEALLIANCE is stated one should also read "BLUEALLIANCE's Local Partner".
"BLUEALLIANCE – rent a car (down bellow referred as "BLUEALLIANCE") hereby rents the vehicle described and subject to all the terms and conditions of this rental agreement in consideration thereof the client acknowledges and agrees, though his signature.
1a) That received the vehicle in good order and perfect conditions of use: 1b)That he will return the vehicle with all the documents, all the tyres (including the spare one), tools, accessories and equipment to the BLUEALLIANCE office where the vehicle has been rented, or a previsiosly agreed place and it must be reported in the verse of the present rental agreement;
2. BLUEALLIANCE is entitled to shorten the period of the rental at its discretion and to demand the return of the vehicle;
3. The vehicle should not be used:a) To transport goods in violation of the costums regulations or any illegal manner. b) To propel or tow any vehicle, trailer or object. c) To transport passengers or property for consideration. d) In any kind of motor sports events like races, competition or in accompaniment of those. e) By any person under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicines or in other circunstances that prejudice the good driving. f) By any other person except the renter, unless the same has been previsiosly designed and authorized by BLUEALLIANCE, in the previous space in the verse of this rental agreement. The BLUEALLIANCE approval of any other driver doesn't mean at all the renounce to the renter's obligations imposed on this rental agreement. g) By a driver holding a driver's licence for less than a year or under 23 years old, unless authorized by BLUEALLIANCE. h) Out of the limits of Portugal continental without Bluealliance previous authorization.
4. Renter expressly acknowledges personal liability and pay to BLUEALLIANCE on demand: a) The kilometrage for all kilometres driven by the vehicle during the rental (in case of failure of the speedometer the rental will be calculated according to the road map distance plus 10%). Relevant for the assessment of the kilometres is the calibrated and sealed speedometer. b) The charges for the rental, collision damage walver (CDW), if previously agreed personal accident insurance (PAI) and other standard charges at rates shown on the front page. c) An additional one way fee. d) All fines and court costs or extra-court for any road offences. e) All the costs including the court costs and the lawyer's fee hired to get the payment of any amounts owed by the renter. f) The expenses by repairs and damages caused by crash, collision or capsizing of the vehicle. Such expenses will be cancelled, in the terms in the verse of this rental agreement, if the renter has previsiosly agreed and signed with BLUEALLIANCE the payment of the cdw fee. The daily cost of cdw fee and postage, it means, the value which by the renter still be responsible in the crash, collision or capsizing of the vehicle, is reported in the verse of this rental agreement. In any case the costs of the vehicle´s tow to the BLUEALLIANCE office, are always of the renter's responsibility. g) All the expenses resulting from loss mislay or damage of documents, tyres, tools and accessories of the vehicle. h) The costs resulting from the immobilization of the vehicle as well as of the vehicle's tow to BLUEALLIANCE office, where it was rented, in the terms stablished on 1.b). i) The missing fuel on the tank.
5. The rented vehicle is insured according to the legal provision of the country (where the vehicle is registered). In order to protect BLUEALLIANCE´s interests in case of accident, renter will do the following: a) Find out names and addresses of involved parts and witnesses. b) Not admit guilt or liability. c) Not leave the vehicle without taking adequate protective measures. d) Call to BLUEALLIANCE even in case of a slight damage and give a detailed report including diagrams, etc. e) Notify the Police immediately if the other's guilt has to be ascertained or people are injured. An omission of the prescribed obligations leads to the loss of the insurance cover.
6. Renter hereby releases BLUEALLIANCE from any liability for loss of any property left, stored or transported by the renter or any other person in or upon the vehicle, during the term of this rental or after return the vehicle to BLUEALLIANCE
7. Renter should always lock the vehicle; otherwise the insurance cover against theft will be lost.
8. Any additions to or alterations of this contract are to be considered null and void, unless they have been agreed upon in.
9. This contract is construed in accordance with the laws of the country, where the vehicle is registered. The courts at the place of registration of the vehicle or at the place in the capital city of the country where the vehicle is registered shall have exclusive jurisdiction.
10. For repair expenses exceeding €12.50, an authorization from BLUEALLIANCE must be obtained. Refunds for such repairs will be paid only against confirmatory invoices.
11. If the vehicle will not be delivered on the stablished date the insurances will be cancelled and the Police advised.
12. BLUEALLIANCE will not be responsible for any breakdown on the vehicle and is consequences, like damages or delays.
13. The renter will always be responsible for damages on the vehicle, not caused by crash, collision or capsizing, but by situations not covered by the insurance policy usually called of "all the risks", though not likely.
14. If the vehicle will not be delivered on the established day, or if the renter does not pay to BLUEALLIANCE all the due amounts at the time of the return of the car, or any other date previously established, he will lose the right to any special prices, discounts, promotions or any other commercial advantages and must pay to BLUEALLIANCE the days of the rental multiplied by the price stated on "Extra Days" plus any other due amounts.
15. Client is responsible to pay to BLUEALLIANCE for the whole rental period established on this contract even if by any motive he returns the car previously.
BLUEALLIANCE abides to Portuguese Law nº67/98, October 26th, regulating Personal Data Protection and Treatment.
This website and the treatment of personal data are the responsibility of Realcar, Turismo e aluguer de Automóveis Lda., with the NIF nº500347077, main office at Avenida Madame Curie 11 A, 1070-166 Lisbon/ Portugal.
Under Portuguese Personal Data Protection Law, BLUEALLIANCE's Customers have the right to access, update, correct or delete the provided information, including the email address, as well as to oppose any data treatment and be informed of any action performed to cease information. In order to do any of these actions, a Registered Mail Communication must be sent to BLUEALLIANCE (Bluealliance, Department of Reservations and Customer Care; Avenida Madame Curie 11 A 1070-166 Lisbon/ Portugal, phone number +351217210643; email: firstname.lastname@example.com).
The personal data and information requested upon Online Payment and Reservation Process are mandatory and will be digitally processed by BLUEALLIANCE or its partners.
Customers must inform BLUEALLIANCE of any changes in personal information, and are fully responsible for any omission or wrongful information.


text:
Imagine there's no heaven,
It's easy if you try,
No hell below us,
Above us only sky,
Imagine all the people living for today...
Imagine there's no countries,
It isn't hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for,
No religion too,
Imagine all the people living life in peace...
Imagine no possessions,
I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger,
A brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer,
but I'm not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.
Written by John Lennon
I just heard this song for the first time. It is often said to be the best song by Lennon. Now I see why it is. Wonderful peace of work! (Spelling mistake is intentional). An instant entry into my all time favourites. A solution to heal the world?
5 hours ago

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Difference between revisions of "2015 Group 4 Project"
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=====Secondary and Tertiary Structure=====
=====Secondary and Tertiary Structure=====
[[File:The complex of ROBO1 Fn3-B2212A Fab as determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis.jpg|right|
[[File:The complex of ROBO1 Fn3-B2212A Fab as determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis.jpg|right|]]
<ref name="PMID25492858"><pubmed>25492858</pubmed></ref>
<ref name="PMID25492858"><pubmed>25492858</pubmed></ref>
The secondary structure of fibronectin is formed mainly by anti-parallel β-sheets. In particular, it is very compact, having a length that ranges between 14.2 and 16.8 nm and a width of 7.1 to 10.5 nm. The axial ratio is around 2:1. The secondary structure of fibronectin Type-III domain-containing protein (ROBO1) can be seen in the adjacent figure.
The secondary structure of fibronectin is formed mainly by anti-parallel β-sheets. In particular, it is very compact, having a length that ranges between 14.2 and 16.8 nm and a width of 7.1 to 10.5 nm. The axial ratio is around 2:1. The secondary structure of fibronectin Type-III domain-containing protein (ROBO1) can be seen in the adjacent figure.
Revision as of 22:26, 2 June 2015
Extracellular Matrix 2015 Projects: Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Group 5 | Group 6 | Group 7
Projects are now locked for final Assessment.
- 1 Fibronectin
- 1.1 Structure
- 1.2 Assembly
- 1.3 Function
- 1.4 Abnormalities/defects
- 1.5 Current Research
- 1.6 Glossary
- 1.7 References
|Fibronectin is an essential extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein,[1] present in all tissues throughout the body. It is especially profuse around lymphatic tissue, connective tissue and muscle fibres.[2] These soluble fibronectin molecules are composed of two monomers that link together via a disulfide bond, forming a dimer. The repeating fragments that make up the molecules serve as the functional domains, enabling the binding of different molecules including heparin and fibrin.[3]
The dimer form of fibronectin is secreted by fibroblasts and is present in the blood,[4] while plasma fibronectin is commonly secreted by hepatocytes.[5] This cellular fibronectin accounts for around 1% of the total concentration of fibronectin in plasma,[5] which is 0.3 mg/ml.[6] It is the insoluble fibrillar network resulting from the association of these dimers, that ultimately dictates the various functions fibronectin plays, including its role in development, disease, and repair.[7] Similarly, its various binding domains enable it to associate with other molecules within the ECM,[8] as seen through the multiple heparin-binding domains present in the fibronectin molecules.[9] Hence, the remainder of this page aims to provide further detail on the structure and function of this component of the extracellular matrix, as well as the abnormalities that can arise when there are mutations.
|Structure of Fibronectin Protein
Fibronectin is a glycoprotein of around 440000 - 500000 kilo Daltons. It is a heterodimer, and its monomers are linked by disulfide bridges.[10] It circulates in the blood stream in a soluble form, but it is constantly assembled into insoluble extracellular matrix fibrils by a cell-dependant process.[1] Despite plasma and cellular fibronectin sharing many similarities, these two molecules are not identical in regards to structure and function. Most of these differences result from variations in their primary structures, which itself is caused by alternative splicing in, at least but not limited to, two distinct regions (ED and IIICS) of the pre-RNAm.[11]
The dimer state of fibronectin is formed by a covalent bond joining the tails (C-terminus) of the two monomers.[12] These 250 kDa monomers[13] each comprise of three distinct protein fragments, each known as type I, II, and III repeats.[14] More specifically, cellular fibronectin is a miscellany of heterodimers of various subunits, which differ in their ED-A and ED-B segments.[3] For example, plasma fibronectin is often deficient in these ED segments.[5] Also, the cell attachment site of fibronectin is RGDS and is postulated to mediate the concentration of fibronectin in cells.[15]
As mentioned above, fibronectin consists of repeated units of the domains FNI, FNII and FNIII.[16] In particular, the structure of the type III repeating fragment within the fibronectin monomers, has a hydrophobic core and electrostatic networks through an increased number of salt bridges. These forces in combination with the removal of non-conserved interactions, increases the stability of this fragment's structure.[17]
Secondary and Tertiary Structure
[18] The secondary structure of fibronectin is formed mainly by anti-parallel β-sheets. In particular, it is very compact, having a length that ranges between 14.2 and 16.8 nm and a width of 7.1 to 10.5 nm. The axial ratio is around 2:1. The secondary structure of fibronectin Type-III domain-containing protein (ROBO1) can be seen in the adjacent figure. Fibronectin also has a complex tertiary structure whereby the domains are interconnected by flexible non-structured segments of the polypeptide chain.[10] These domains are not globular, but rather form long, thin and flexible strands.[19]
There are multiple isoforms of fibronectin due to the variations in splicing during its formation. These isoforms vary in their binding domains, hence influencing their interactions with integrins, with some being identified as having a higher affinity for certain interactions than others.[20] Subsequently, it is acknowledged that changes to the structure of the fibronectin molecule, ultimately influence the functional role it plays in that particular cell.[21]
Repeating Units
- module is 43 residues in length each forming a β-hairpin
- 3 stranded anti-parallel β-sheet
- stabilised by pair of interchain disulphide bonds (absolutely conserved).
- mediates human protein-to-protein and protein-to-oligosacchiride interactions.
- Tandem modules (FnI2-FnI5) interact with FnIII modules and binding of heparin.
- FNI4-FNI5 have capacity to bind to fibrin. FnI mudules near C-terminus also bind to fibrin
- FNI modules only found in vertebrates
- 49 residues in length
- Module is 5 stranded
- stabilised by 2 disulphide bonds
- only conserved structural element is small 2-stranded β-sheet.
- only 2 modules occur as single tandem repeat.
- FnII2 forms tight complex with FnII6
- FNII confined to metazoans
- 90-100 residues contained within an all-β structure
- module fold contains 7 strands. 2 anti-parallel β-sheets of 3 or 4 stands forming hydrophobic core
- does not require stabilising intrachain disulphide bonds.
- structurally plastic when under strain (disulphide bonds enforce rigidity)
- found mainly in metazoans (>80%), but also in plants/bacteria/archaea
- metazoan module occurs commonly as tandem repeats in other cell surface proteins and in EC regions of some cell surface receptors.
The assembly of fibronectin molecules into a fibrillar network is cell mediated.[4] Furthermore, this assembly is a result of electrostatic forces that enable the joining of the head and tail of two dimers.[12] It is suggested that the association of these dimers to form larger complexes is essential for providing enough binding sites in order to create a stable attachment with the cytoskeleton, that the dimer is otherwise unable to achieve.[24] The beginning steps of this assembly includes the binding of these sites to surface receptors and ECM proteins, and is essential in forming this stable complex.[25] The three step process of this matrix assembly consists of initiation, unfolding, and lastly fibrillar assembly, which are illustrated in the neighbouring figure.[23]
Moreover, the state of the fibroblasts influences the structure of the fibronectin secreted. In particular, if the tissue-associated fibroblasts are unstretched, the resulting fibronectin will assemble in a mesh-like arrangement. This contrasts to the well-organised, linear placement of fibronectin secreted from fibroblasts that have been stretched. Such a difference in fibronectin deposition suggests a possible association to the role of mechanical stresses in cancer-associated fibroblasts.[26]
Fibronectin is an important molecule within cells due to the numerous roles that it adopts. Such roles are listed and explained below.
Wound Healing
Fibronectin plays a pivotal role in the process of wound healing. In particular, it enables the migration of fibroblasts, which is vital for the formation of granulation tissue and hence healing.[27] Fibronectin is present in the collagenous matrix as well as the fibrin-rich matrix of the wound, and it is suggested that fibronectin ultimately is essential for enabling the fibroblasts to interact with the fibrin.[28] Fibronectin plays a particularly important role in the early phases of wound healing. The release of platelets in the first step of haemostasis when a wound occurs causes a platelet plug to form. The platelet to platelet bind is formed by integrins via fibrinogen. This fibrin clot is then stabilised further by factor XIII, where it binds the fibrin to fibronectin, forming the fibrin-fibronectin clot.[29]
During inflammatory phase within the ECM, fibronectin is able to opsonise ECM debris. It acts as a nonimmune opsonin for the debris' phagocytosis by fibroblasts, keratinocytes and even macrophages under some conditions. The fibronectin also acts as an enhancement for the phagocytosis of immune-opsonised particles by monocytes.[30]
Role in Tumours
Plasma fibronectin is found to be upregulated in tumour cells, ultimately supporting tumor maintenance. Tumor cell adhesion to and invasion in fibrin when paired with fibronectin (fibFN) is mediated mainly by integrin avB3 and activated by the former. pFN, in association with fibrin, is shown to assist in the cell adhesion of clotted plasma, however it does not assist in the initial tumor cell arrest.[29] Moreover, fibronectin plays more of a function in organising the arrangement of other elements during tumour angiogenesis, compared to its structural role in embryo angiogenesis.[31]
Plasma fibronectin is found to help as well as hinder atherosclerosis. It increases the number and size of Atherosclerosis plaques that form with it's deposition within lesions, but also helps in the formation of a protective fibrous cap, helping prevent rupture of said athersclerotic plaque. Also indicated that plasma fibronectin, rather than the hemopoietic cell-driven fibronectin, is deposited at atherosclerosis-prone sites prior to the development of atherosclerotic lesions.[32]
Role in Blood Vessels
Plasma fibronectin is found to deposit in vessel injury sites (independent of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, β3 integrin, and platelets) before accumulation of platelets, which was previously understood to be the first wave of hemostasis. In particular, it promotes platelet aggregation when in conjunction with fibrin but acts conversely when fibrin is absent. Working off the fibrin gradient, fibronectin is a regulator of thrombosis[33]
Role in Promoting and Inhibiting Cell Adhesion
Fibronectin within sheep carotid arteries was seen to increase cell attachment of proteins with the vessel walls, in comparison to other methods.[34] However, it has also been observed that cell adhesion mediated by fibronectin can be inhibited by fibronectin when a high concentration of fibronectin is reached, or there is a long incubation period. This inhibition is observed to be associated with the 75kDa cell-binding component of the fibronectin molecule.[6]
Fetal Fibronectin
Fibronectin is seen to play a role in the maturation of the ovarian follicle. During the first and second trimesters of gestation, the mesenchymal compartment cells of the ovarian cortex and the tunica albuginea express fibronectin. This fibronectin is observed throughout the basement membrane of the developing blood vessels. Hence, fibronectin is seen to play a role in the assembly of the primordial follicles, as well as assisting in the embedding of blood vessels. More specifically, fibronectin influences the defining of the mesenchymal compartment during fetal development.[35]
Furthermore, fetal fibronectin can be used to predict preterm birth through observing the presence of this fibronectin in secretions of the cervical posterior fornix. Whilst the presence of fibronectin is expected in the blood and amniotic fluid during pregnancy, high levels of it in secretions indicate a significant increase in the chance of preterm birth.[36]
Fibronectin is one specific extracellular matrix protein that most effectively enables differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to definitive endoderm. Subsequently, it can be identified as having a significant role in early embryogenesis. This differentiation of cells is facilitated by integrin receptors, with the expression of integrin subunits increasing as this differentiation is occurring. In particular, a5 integrin is required for human embryonic stem cells to bind to fibronectin. Moreover, the cells that are exposed to fibronectin, and other extracellular proteins, begin to secrete extracellular proteins, encouraging further differentiation.[37]
Fibronectin is also seen to play a pivotal role in the left-right axis determination that takes place during embryogenesis. This is important in ensuring correct development of organs distributed asymmetrically throughout the body. It is suggested that fibronectin performs this function by giving nodal cells polarity, which is necessary for their formation of the nodal pit. [38]
Furthermore, it is suggested that fibronectin plays a role in cranial neural crest cell migration, as well as neural fold and neural crest formation. This is proposed through the study as a5 integrin was observed in the anterior neural ridge, the cranial neural fold, and in the neural crest cells. Moreover, fibronectin was identified as increasing the activity of a specific protein-coding gene known as BMP5. This gene is associated with chicken cranial neural crest formation. Subsequently, fibronectin is noted as influencing the expression of a growth factor.[39] This can also be seen through the role fibronectin plays in cardiac development of the embryo. For example, the transcriptional repressor gene snail1 assists in the migration of cardiac precursors by influencing the assembly of fibronectin in the embryo. Abnormalities in fibronectin function result in cardiac defects. In particular, the ordered deposition of fibronectin in control embryos contrasts to the reduced and disorganised arrangement in modified embryos with inactivated snai1b. Hence, snai1b is needed for effective fibronectin assembly, which enables cardiac precursors to migrate where they are needed for successful cardiac development. Moreover, integrins are crucial for effective fibronectin function. In cases were snai1b is inactivated, addition of integrins salvages fibronectin assembly and minimises cardiac defects. Thus, it can be seen that snai1b modulates the expression of a5 integrin, which ultimately modulates fibronectin assembly essential for cardiac development.[40]
The abnormalities presented by Fibronectin (FN) are very vast and also have a huge range of clinical and pathological presentations, being caused by alterations on its production, which might be due to gene expression mutations or even over-production without any abnormalities in the structure.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Similarly, human fibroblasts with mutations in COL5A1 and COL3A1 genes do not organise fibronectin and similar proteins in the extracellular matrix, as well as down-regulate alpha2beta1 integrin, whilst up-regulating alphavbeta3 instead of alpha5beta1 integrin. Such mutations are seen in patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) types I and IV, who are ultimately identified as having a diminished fibrillar network. Providing such patients with pure fibronectin encourages binding between FN and integrin alphavbeta3.[41]
Glomerulopathy with Fibronectin Deposits (GFND)
Glomerulopathy with Fibronectin (GFND) deposits is a dominant inherited disease that affects the kidney through deposition of fibronectin in the glomeruli. This disease results in symptoms such as the loss of protein, blood in the urine, and hypertension. It is postulated that GFND is caused by mutations in FN1, an encoder of fibronectin, with forty per cent of GFND cases in a particular study showing these mutations.[42]
A Study [43] compared the levels of fibronectin in normal tissue against wounds that developed keloid, a process which consists on an over-production of collagen and other extracellular matrix components. The keloid tissue presented a huge production of both intracellular and extracellular fibronectin (due to its mRNA increment), that had no abnormalities in the structure, process and degradation. The fibronectin receptors were also raised in the abnormal tissue. When glucocorticoids were administered, fibronectin production was generally stimulated in both normal and keloid fibroblasts.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Fibronectin consists of two alternatively spliced extra domains, ED-A and ED-B, which are expressed during embryonic angiogenesis, but ultimately decrease in normal adults. Nonetheless, the ED-A and ED-B are detectable in the angiogenesis of tumours and matrix remodelling. A study [44] showed that mice who were injected with anti-ED-A/B tend to have less metastasis, as well as immunisation against ED-B diminished angiogenesis and tumor growth. ED-A is known to be expressed at high levels in human breast carcinomas and general metastasis, whereas ED-B shows very low levels in these types of tumours. The immunisation of the mice with anti-ED-A reduced tumour burden and the metastasis were suppressed. This subsequently leads to the consideration of targeting vaccines as part of the usual therapy, or in replacement of monoclonal antibodies.
Type 1 Diabetes
Elevated levels of fibronectin can also serve as a possible biomarker for damage to blood vessels in diabetics due to the manner in which increased fibronectin concentrations have been observed in diabetic patients with cardiovascular impediments.[5] Moreover, fibronectin has been observed to play a role in a positive feedback mechanisms in Type 1 diabetics. In particular, monocytes of diabetics secrete greater amounts of myeloid-related protein MRP8/14 than controls. This in turn promotes cells to adhere to fibronectin, in turn causing further production of this serum. Hence, it is suggested that this influences the maintenance of the immune response.[45]
Current Research
Fibronectin can function as a molecular target for therapeutics of hepatocellular carcinoma. In particular, ROBO1, fibronectin Type-III domain (Fn)-containing protein, is a target for specific therapeutics. A monoclonal antibody, called B2212A, binds the third fibronectin domain (Fn3) of ROBO1. The results of the study, according to the article´s text, promises to lead future researches towards a new antibody drug for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.[18]
Recent PubMed Articles
<pubmed limit=5>Fibronectin</pubmed>
|The growth of new blood vessels
|The deposition of fats, cholesterol, and other fatty materials in and on the artery walls
|Extra domain - A
|Extra domain - B
|Extracellular matrix
|A meshwork of materials that surrounds the outside of cells
|A specific class of proteins that consist of a carbohydrate attached to them
|Modifying a cell as to make it liable for phagocytosis
|Primary structure
|The linear sequence of a protein's amino acids
|Arg–Gly–Asp sequence of a fibronectin molecule
|Secondary structure
|The three-dimensional arrangement of the segments of a protein
|Tertiary structure
|The resulting three-dimensional geometry of a molecule due to folding and covalent interactions.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 <pubmed>24509439</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>650151</pubmed>
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 <pubmed>9314547</pubmed>
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 <pubmed>11959962</pubmed>
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 <pubmed>11213886</pubmed>
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 <pubmed>6736130</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>17591922</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>15123658</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>11069773</pubmed>
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 <pubmed>7308204</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>2992939</pubmed>
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 <pubmed>22442152</pubmed> Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "PMID22442152" defined multiple times with different content
- ↑ <pubmed>11478847</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>23554347</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>2522418</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>23740248</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>25691761</pubmed>
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 <pubmed>25492858</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>7328116</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>24658351</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>25051083</pubmed>
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 <pubmed>20695902</pubmed>
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 <pubmed>21923916</pubmed> Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "PMID21923916" defined multiple times with different content
- ↑ <pubmed>12045228</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>2045422</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>25660754</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>15854029</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>9133673</pubmed>
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 <pubmed>20501851</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>6084665</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed> 25807551</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>22514136</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>25180602</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>23356939</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>25605128</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>24634230</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>23154389</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>21466802</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>23587661</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>24667151</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>14970208</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>18268355</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>2524650</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>25360764</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>16045741</pubmed>


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For Context Read: Day 209: 'The Lump' Sum of 'What If's'
So in a couple of days, I will be having a biopsy taken from an area where I found a lump in my breast. And, so I realize that I really need to investigate and share in writing what's been going on within me, to document how my mind has been 'processing' the new information/ situation that I'm currently walking.,,,
,,,I'm going to stop right here for a moment to 'acKnowledge' and Stop the reaction I became aware of as I finished writing that paragraph. The reaction was to immediately stop sharing what I was writing. I'm familiar with this pattern, and I am committed to continue sharing this point and Direct myself from Reactive Responses to Self RESPONSE-ability.
Please hear: From Reactive Responses to Self RESPONSE-ability – Part Three: DAY 334 for further Clarity and Specificity.
Continuing,,, So, because of the future 'biopsy' I have scheduled – which my mind is using as the reason for how I've been experiencing myself – I'm investigating this point of fear, which I'm obviously automatically enslaved to because I've seen through my participation and observation how I have defined myself as a reactive response. It's like watching myself try and adapt to a new 'Processing' System being developed within and as me.
During the day, here's how it goes, I will access a point where I will through a memory association activate my imagination and within that a specific picture flashes within my mind, where I see myself as kind of floating.
Almost as if I'm waiting on myself. Waiting to catch up to myself meaning to Stop and breathe. The negative feeling experience happens quickly and I experience myself as if I'm being tugged between a negative energy and a positive energy. A tug-of-war where the tugging initiates waves of FEAR and then, like a finger pulling the trigger on a loaded gun,,,suddenly,,, Bang! There I am, Smack dab in a pocket of FEAr.
When that happens, when the trigger has been pulled, I suddenly realize how my physical body is assisting me to remember to STOP participating as I experience a moment of physical weakness which sends a negative energetic charge of doom and gloom throughout my entire physical body, and in that moment, it feels like the MONkEY on my back has just saddled in for a long ride,, until I finally take self-responsibility, I Stop participating, I Breathe.
The Physical Experience where I became weak, has happened only twice recently, and each time I've been able to effectively Stop myself from participating any further. . But I mean, this is just what I'm aware of, a reactive response which happens suddenly and unexpectedly and has numerous dimensions – all of which happens in a matter of seconds. Consciousness as our Mind is a MASSive preprogrammed system of reactive responses to self-responsibility instead of the ability to respond instead of reacting.
Thus I've been sitting with the fear so to speak, and investigating the common sense answers to my own questions…
When did I begin to accept this particular physical manifested consequense? ( I will share 'when' in a future post)
Will the biopsy result be a death sentence?
Will I be here this time next year?
What exactly is it that I really fear?
Do I fear losing my breath? As in taking my last breath… Is the IMage of myself taking my last breath the exact point of participation that is fueling my fear? Because obviously I have no Real idea what it's like to take one's last breath…
I have a memory associated with the fear of not being able to breathe. I once swallowed a couple of aspirins, which dissolved so fast that they somehow went into my windpipe which caused me to not be able to breathe, so my partner had to perform CPR. It took 3 times of chest compressions and I was turning purple when finally, I was able to breathe again…
Continuing…I'm realizing how what I fear is based upon negative and positive energetic experiences within and as Memories and according to what I've accepted and allowed myself to be through and as them in how I've accumulated myself through and as Thoughts/Pictures/Imagination/Backchat/Reactions and, What are the Consequences of how I've manifested them as here within and as my Physical Body???
As I continue to investigate, I realize that 've been lying to myself – that what I actually fear is how I have defined myself and sentenced myself to exist as within the same fear that 'I thought' I saw within the eyes of my mother just days before she became deathly ill and died.
I believed I witnessed the exact moment when she gave up on herself, her Life.
What I didn't realize then that I am realizing now, is that what I was seeing within her, was a reflection of my own fear of giving up.
Actually, I was giving myself a glimpse of my own fear of mortality, which is actually fear of taking self-responsibility for myself and for how our entire current world system exists as according to what I've accepted and allowed.
For awhile I wanted to give up on myself and any and all parts of this world as myself and I used my mother's death as a reason to do so…
In doing so, I made many mistakes, including the damage I caused to myself as my Physical Body and the damage to my relationship with my partner – which I valued most and within that how I buried myself beneath self-pity and it's accepted sorrow… So, again, I am facing the consequences of my decisions and subsequently additionally, facing the fears which were born when I chose to Not take self-responsibility for myself and our world as myself.
The bottom line here is, instead of participating in relationship to what automatically comes up within and as my mind, I Commit Myself to Direct myself to develop my self-awareness and move MySelf to Self-Directive Change – rather than the controlled change which I exist as now where I change from Characters and Personalities through my relationships with positive and negative balancing of polarities!


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Many people buy Certified Pre Owned cars believing the CPO designation means more than it does. It is one of the most common complaints I get at my office: Someone bought a CPO car that turned out to have major problems. Will the CPO designation help in a lawsuit? Probably not.
Certified Pre Owned – CPO – cars are are usually late model used vehicles which have been given a factory blessing after being inspected at the direction of the manufacturer. This process usually involves a lengthy checklist of things which have been inspected and then sees the car sold with some sort of extended warranty also from the manufacturer. There are variations of course and the term is bandied about quite a bit by people who give it different meanings. Read Tom's excellent article for the nuance I haven't got room for here.
I hear from people who have bought CPO cars with undisclosed accident histories as well as unfixable problems. Those problems might be covered by the warranty that came with the CPO but they are unfixable nonetheless. The question is: What does CPO mean legally in this setting? Almost nothing.
The CPO designation is a marketing tool and little more. Many people think the "CPO" designation itself is a warranty. It is not. The manufacturers are very careful to avoid making it into one as well.
Remember that a warranty in most states is
Any affirmation of fact or promise made by the seller to the buyer which relates to the goods and becomes part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods shall conform to the affirmation or promise.
What exactly does a manufacturer affirm or promise to the buyer of a CPO? Ford, for example, promises that their CPO cars have passed a 172-point inspection. Mercedes-Benz claims their CPOs have undergone a "painstaking certification process." These vehicles could still turn out to be irreparably defective. If the car passed that inspection before it was sold to you, then the CPO status can be given.
Notice how manufacturers tap dance around what the CPO designation means. MBUSA:
When you choose a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Mercedes-Benz, you get much more than an extraordinary automobile. You get industry-leading coverage — which now includes unlimited mileage with all CPO warranties.
Let's break that into its two components. You get:
1) "An extraordinary automobile."
2) A CPO warranty.
1 is legally meaningless: the law explicitly states that subjective statements about the goods like that are not warranties:
an affirmation merely of the value of the goods or a statement purporting to be merely the seller's opinion or commendation of the goods does not create a warranty.
As for 2, above, a warranty is a warranty is a warranty.
It bears repeating: The CPO designation itself is NOT a warranty. The value of the CPO is in the warranty it comes with. Ford's CPO brings a 12/12 "comprehensive limited warranty" along with a 7/100 powertrain limited warranty. MBUSA's CPO comes with a warranty of unlimited mileage which runs for a year but can be extended. It is these warranties you would be pursuing if the vehicle has problems.
And, of course, the Lemon Laws of most states don't cover used cars in situations like this. The CPO designation will not revive a Lemon Law claim. Certified Pre Owned is still "used."
So, if your CPO car turns out to to have unfixable problems, or has an accident history that was not disclosed to you, can you sue someone for breach of the CPO? No. What you can do is pursue the same claims anyone with a used car pursues when they were lucky enough to get a warranty or service contract with their purchase. It won't be a lemon law claim and will probably be very hard to pursue. And the CPO will not make a bit of difference in your case.
Does this mean that I am discouraging you from buying a CPO? Not at all. If the price is right – a good price for a late model used car with a factory warranty – then by all means consider it. Just don't think that the CPO designation gives you any legal advantage. It doesn't.
Follow me on Twitter: @stevelehto
Hear my podcast on iTunes: Lehto's Law
Steve Lehto has been practicing law for 23 years, almost exclusively in consumer protection and Michigan lemon law. He wrote The Lemon Law Bible and Chrysler's Turbine Car: The Rise and Fall of Detroit's Coolest Creation.
This website may supply general information about the law but it is for informational purposes only. This does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not meant to constitute legal advice, so the good news is we're not billing you by the hour for reading this. The bad news is that you shouldn't act upon any of the information without consulting a qualified professional attorney who will, probably, bill you by the hour.


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Among recent enforcement actions by the SEC were charges of defrauding investors against a school district and the municipal bond writer that underwrote the district's bond offering; charges against two investment advisory firms for best execution failures; insider trading against the former CEO of an investor relations firm and, in another case, against two officials in Spain.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission won a $410 million settlement from JP Morgan after issuing a notice of alleged violations concerning the bank's activities in the energy market; and the Labor Department stepped in against Kentucky-based plan fiduciaries, alleging improper use of funds.
Indiana School District and Muni Bond Writer Charged With Investor Fraud
The SEC has charged West Clark Community Schools and Indianapolis-based City Securities Corp. with falsely stating to bond investors that the school district had been properly providing annual financial information and notices required as part of its prior bond offerings.
In a 2007 official statement prepared for a bond offering by West Clark that was to be underwritten by City Securities, the school district said it was in compliance with disclosure obligations related to prior bond offerings. However, West Clark had never submitted required annual reports or notices for a 2005 bond offering, and City Securities did not conduct adequate due diligence to discover this in the course of the 2007 offering.
The SEC also charged Randy Ruhl, head of City Securities' public finance and municipal bond department, for the misconduct involving West Clark's disclosures. The agency also found that City Securities and Ruhl gave improper gifts and gratuities, such as multi-day golf trips and sports tickets, to representatives of municipal bond issuers, and then charged these and other expenses back to the issuers disguised as costs for "printing, preparation and distribution of official statements."
City Securities has agreed to pay nearly $580,000 to settle the SEC's charges. Ruhl and West Clark also agreed to settlements; Ruhl's includes not only a one-year collateral bar and a permanent supervisory bar but also disgorgement and prejudgment interest of $20,320 as well as a penalty of $18,155.
Two Investment Advisory Firms Charged With Best Execution Failures
In two separate investigations, New York-based A.R. Schmeidler & Co. (ARS), which is dually registered as an investment adviser and a broker-dealer, and Gregory Goelzer and his Indianapolis-based dually registered firm Goezler Investment Management (GIM), have been charged with failing to seek best execution on client trades placed with their in-house brokerage divisions.
In the first case, the SEC found that ARS failed to re-evaluate whether it was providing best execution for its advisory clients when it negotiated more favorable terms with its clearing firm. As a result, ARS retained a greater share of client commissions. The firm failed to implement policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent its best execution violations. ARS has agreed to pay more than $1 million to settle the charges.
In the second case, Goelzer and GIM made misrepresentations in the firm's Form ADV about the process of selecting itself as broker for advisory clients. GIM failed to seek best execution for its clients by neglecting to conduct the comparative analysis of brokerage options described in its Form ADV, and recommended itself as broker for its advisory clients without evaluating other introducing-broker options as the firm represented it would. Goezler and GIM agreed to pay nearly $500,000 to settle the charges.
Investor Relations Exec Charged With Insider Trading by SEC
Stephen Gray, the former CEO of a Houston-based investor relations firm, was charged by the SEC with insider trading of at least six of his firm's clients' securities.
Gray was privy to inside information, since his firm worked with companies to draft and publish press releases announcing quarterly and annual earnings, mergers and acquisitions, and other major events. Asked by employees for advice on the preparation of these documents, he came by inside information–and when it didn't come unsolicited, Gray asked for it. He also sometimes met directly with clients to discuss confidential information.
He opened a trading account in September of 2009 and used inside information about clients that included The Men's Wearhouse and Powell Industries to take in profits and avoid losses of more than $313,000 during a 13-month period. When his firm found out he was being investigated by the SEC last October, he was fired.
The SEC seeks a final judgment ordering him to disgorge all ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest and pay financial penalties, as well as permanent injunctive relief.
Santander Official, Judge in Spain Charged With Insider Trading
A former high-ranking official at Madrid-based Banco Santander S.A. and a former judge in Spain have been charged by the SEC with insider trading, based on nonpublic information about a proposed acquisition for which the Spanish investment bank was acting as an advisor.
Cedric Cañas Maillard served as an executive advisor to Banco Santander's CEO. He learned confidentially that the bank was advising BHP Billiton, one of the world's largest mining companies, and helping to underwrite its proposed acquisition of Potash Corp., one of the world's largest producers of fertilizer minerals.
Before the acquisition was publicly announced, Cañas not only bought Potash contracts-for-difference–highly leveraged securities not traded in the U.S. but based on the price of U.S. exchange-listed Potash stock and mirroring the stock's movement and pricing–but also tipped his close personal friend Julio Marín Ugedo about the potential acquisition and advised him to purchase Potash stock. After the announcement became public, Cañas and Marín sold their Potash securities for a total of nearly $1 million.
The SEC seeks disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest, financial penalties, and orders of permanent injunction against Cañas and Marín; its investigation is continuing.
JPMorgan Settles With FERC for $410 Million on Energy Price Manipulation
After the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a notice of alleged violations concerning JPMorgan's trading practices in the electricity market from 2010 to 2012, the bank has agreed to settle for a total of $410 million.
The regulator said it had found twelve "manipulative bidding strategies" used by a JPMorgan affiliate in energy markets in California and the Midwest that resulted in tens of millions of dollars in overpayments from grid operators in the region. In the order posted on its website, the FERC said that JPMorgan had "employed a fraudulent device, scheme or artifice, made false statements or material omissions, or engaged in a course of business that operated or would operate as a fraud on electricity market participants."
Of the $410 million, $285 million is a civil penalty and $125 million is "ill-gotten profits" that are to be returned to electricity ratepayers, according to the FERC.
Labor Department Wins Temporary Injunction Against Plan Fiduciaries
George Hofmeister and Bernard Tew, fiduciaries of four Lexington, Ky.-based pension plans, were the targets of a temporary injunction obtained by the Labor Department after allegations of improper use of retirement funds.
Hofmeister was the trustee of the four pension plans, Hillsdale Salaried, Hillsdale Hourly, Revstone Casting Fairfield GMP Local 359, and Fourslides Inc., and Tew was managing director of their investment service provider, Bluegrass Investment Management LLC. Hofmeister has been removed by the court order as a fiduciary of the plans; he is also prohibited from taking any actions with respect to the pensions plans or their assets. Tew resigned as fiduciary of the plans a few days before a hearing regarding the department's motion.
Lawsuits previously filed by the Labor Department alleged that the defendants–Hofmeister and Tew, as well as others–engaged in a series of prohibited transactions, resulting in the misuse of approximately $12.1 million from the Hillsdale Salaried pension plan, approximately $22.5 million from the Hillsdale Hourly pension plan, approximately $4.4 million from the Revstone Casting Fairfield GMP Local 359 pension plan, and approximately $500,000 from the Fourslides Inc. pension plan. The four plan sponsors are closely affiliated with Lexington-based Revstone Industries LLC and Spara LLC.
The prohibited transactions included prohibited loans to related companies, prohibited use of plan assets for the purchase and lease of employer property, prohibited purchase of customer notes from affiliated companies, prohibited transfer of assets in favor of parties-in-interest, payment of excessive fees to services providers, and payment of fees on behalf of the companies. These activities began, according to the suits, within days or months of Hofmeister assuming control of the pension plans.
The court has appointed Fiduciary Counselors Inc. to administer the four pension plans.
Check out last week's SEC, DOL Enforcement: Cohen's SAC Capital Faces Criminal Charges at ThinkAdvisor.


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Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Little Black Dress for Travel & Confident Twosday Linkup
46 comments:
The light there in Arizona looks so lovely - I'm desperate for a little sun! Your out fit is fab for getting you through a holiday day. Such a cute set of photos xReplyDelete
The dress looks great on you! Lovely photosReplyDelete
Laurie xx
Laura, such a cute look. I am loving your sandals. And your hair looks amazing with all your curls!ReplyDelete
lovely dress on you :)ReplyDelete
Love the dress!ReplyDelete
Love this versatile dress! I can see you layering over it in the cold weather here. I adore your sandals!ReplyDelete
I can't even imagine packing for a baby and flying! That dress was a Godsend for sure, perfect for all the ways you wore it on your trip and it looks great on you. Sounds like you all have really enjoyed your trip! Safe travels home my friend!ReplyDelete
What a great dress! You look lovely in the this outfit...I love hats! And how sweet is that picture with you and your girl...glad you and your family had a great trip to Arizona! That's a state I'd love to visit some day. Have a great week! :)ReplyDelete
Great dress Laura!! Enjoy your last day, safe travels home and emerges made!ReplyDelete
That's exactly the kind of dress we all need for vacations, Laura!! Talk about versatile, and what a wonderful trip for you guys!!!ReplyDelete
What a cute little black dress - I like that it's so practical to travel with and it's so nice casually here with your hat and sandals! :)ReplyDelete
I'm glad you had a fun trip. Thank you for the link up!
Hope you had a happy Easter! We have really enjoyed the long weekend, with beach time and family time and some long naps from the boys letting me catch up with blogging!
Away From The Blue Blog
Great dress and I'm impressed with how many ways you were able to style it on this trip! Hope you get to enjoy your last day in AZ!ReplyDelete
Gina || On the Daily Express
This really is the perfect dress! Especially for Arizona weather right now. I'm missing it already!ReplyDelete
what a gorgeous dress and it's perfect. I need something like that for my travels. PS love the curlsReplyDelete
Such a great vacation dress- and I'm so jealous of that gorgeous AZ weather! KC is so cold and rainy right now!ReplyDelete
Le Stylo Rouge
Got to love a dress you can get multiple use's out of. Glad you are having a great trip.ReplyDelete
What a perfect summer dress! I love how it can be styled so many different ways, and it's something that I would live in! I'm glad you've been having a great time in Arizona!ReplyDelete
I've never been to Arizona, but maybe I should check it out. Brian's cousins were talking about how they wanted to go there, but I can't remember which particular city. That black dress is so perfect on you, especially with the hat! Your daughter is getting so big and is such a cutie!ReplyDelete
Such a great vacation look! That dress looks so versatile and cute with the sandals and hat. Hope you are having a great trip!ReplyDelete
It looks so pretty there Laura! I love the look, the ease of your dress with the hat and sandals. Lovely with your daughter, and your hairl ooks great curly!ReplyDelete
jess xx
Oh my goodness, you look so cute. I love your hair curly! Love the neckline of that dress too. Sounds like a real workhorse😉. I remember the first time we traveled with Benny (by car) I took everything but the kitchen sink. LOL. I even packed his little bath towels, because heaven forbid I'd use something not washed in Dreft. What was I thinking.😂Happy Tuesday!! So glad you enjoyed your vacation. XOReplyDelete
You look so pretty Laura! I'm loving your soft curls and beachy accessories! And the backdrop of these photos makes me want to go to Arizona!ReplyDelete
Your dress is so cute and I'm sure you'll wear it everywhere! Also loving the hat, sitting on top of gorgeous curls! Have a great day!ReplyDelete
Such charming smile, beautiful look and mom <3ReplyDelete
Wow! Black looks very good on you! Loving it!ReplyDelete
I always love how fun your hair looks when you curl it and they stay. I had my hair curled, let's just say they tried... :(ReplyDelete
Oh, you're so lucky to get out of the cold for awhile and experience some warmth and sunshine. We got a huge snowstorm in Wisconsin today. LOVE this dress. You look beautiful and so refreshed and happy. It must have been a good get-away for you!ReplyDelete
So glad you enjoyed your vacay! I love your natural hair and that hat is so cute!ReplyDelete
What a beautiful dress! Its a simple yet adorable look. Love it paired with your sun hat which is perfect for the Arizona heat. I also love your hair! So many pretty curls! Enjoy your vacation and wishing you a great week ahead!ReplyDelete
Maureen | www.littlemisscasual.com
An easy-breezy LBD like this is so versatile, timeless and great for any season. And how great that the hat has SPF 50. Love thew photo of you and Claire. I'd love to co-host your linkup with you sometimes and you can do the same with Thursday Moda, too. =)ReplyDelete
Welcome by and join the Sunday Showcase linkup for this month and as usual stop by Thursdays for my style linkup. =) Thanks!
I love your sandals, thanks for joining us on Continental Drift this momth, Laura.ReplyDelete
SSG xxx
I love your curly vacation hair! Cute dress too! Hope you had a great trip!ReplyDelete
Cheryl Shops | www.cherylshops.net
Great dress. Perfect length and style. So good to virtually meet you on our Continental Drift adventure. Thank you for linking up.ReplyDelete
Sounds like you had a great trip! I have a little black swing dress that I always pack for travel - it works with everything and is so comfy!ReplyDelete
xo Jules
So pretty! I need to add a few LBD's to my closet. Since my parents moved, I miss vacationing in Arizona!ReplyDelete
I'm so jealous of that warm weather! And your curls look fabulous!ReplyDelete
Aww thanks for featuring me Laura!! I hope you and your family had a great time on your trip! That dress is so perfect for traveling. You are so right, you need all the room in your suitcase you can get--packing up the house for a baby is no joke!ReplyDelete
Once you are out of the baby phase of life you quickly forget how it is to travel with a baby in tow. This dress is perfect for the pool, a light walk in town or dinner. Thanks for linking up with Contenental Drift.ReplyDelete
You look great, Laura! Love the photo with you and your daughter!ReplyDelete
This dress looks perfect for travel!ReplyDelete
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Love the simplicity of this black dress dear. Really comfy and practical; easy to wear too.ReplyDelete
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Nice and perfect looking outfit..ReplyDelete
You look charming ♥ReplyDelete
That sounds like the perfect travel dress, and Arizona sounds wonderful (and warm!) So jealous!ReplyDelete
❀Chic on the Cheap
That dress is really flattering! It seems perfect for any vacation.ReplyDelete
xx, Nailil


text:
Written By: NM State Athletic Dept.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The New Mexico State baseball team (9-10) came back from a 5-0 deficit to hammer Alabama A&M (2-18) 20-6 in seven innings at Presley Askew Field Friday, March 15, 2013.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first inning before senior right-hander Michael Ormseth settled down and allowed just one more run. Ormseth worked 6.0 innings and struck out eight batters to move to 2-2 on the year. He gave up six hits in the first, but redeemed himself as he gave up just one hit after that.
After being held scoreless in the bottom of the first, NM State caught fire offensively in the bottom of the second scoring eight runs on four hits, while the Bulldog defense helped the Aggie-cause committing three errors. Four of the Aggie runs came on a Tanner Rust grand-slam, while third baseman Bobby Lecount hammered a two-run homer over the leftfield wall.
The Bulldogs marked their last run of the night on a sacrifice bunt in the top of the third inning to make it an 8-6 ballgame. Junior Quinnton Mack posted a solo home run in the bottom of the third and the aggie got two more runs in the fourth.
The Alabama A&M pitching staff tallied six walks and hit one batter in the bottom of the fifth as the Aggies marked eight runs on two hits and two errors to take a 19-6 lead. One more run crossed the plate in the sixth before senior Evan Mott came in to close out the game in the seventh. He faced three batters and struck out one.
The Aggies face Alabama A&M in a doubleheader, Saturday, March 16 with the first game starting at 3 p.m. (MT).


text:
Saving healthcare costs with technology
Dr Grumble is often being told by management consultants and the like that his patients can now be looked after in their own homes instead of the hospital with the aid of various bits of innovative kit that will monitor their condition and alert doctors via the internet when they are becoming unwell. Grumble has always been somewhat baffled these claims. Can technology really be the answer to rising costs in healthcare? The question is addressed in this video.
The answer is no surprise to Dr Grumble. Perhaps it is not obvious to the management consultants. They know about finance but they really do not seem to grasp the fundamentals of healthcare. Healthcare as a business is rather different from what most managers are familiar with. They understand the problem: healthcare costs. But soultions like privatisation are never going to solve this. Quite the opposite. A very different approach is needed. The video makes that clear.


text:
Estate Sales - Online AuctionsSenior Downsizing - Moving Sales - Free Consultation 253-254-1104 or 206-300-8901
Lot #181- Vintage Assortment of Handbags (some sticky and in rough shape). Shoes well worn.
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text:
Prince Edward; Queen Elizabeth II
© V&A Images
Prince Edward; Queen Elizabeth II
by Cecil Beaton
bromide print, May 1964
15 1/8 in. x 13 5/8 in. (385 mm x 345 mm) sight
Given by Mr Ford Hill and the American Friends of the National Portrait Gallery (London) Foundation, Inc., 2015
Primary Collection
Sittersback to top
- Prince Edward Antony Richard Louis, Earl of Wessex (1964-), Third son of Queen Elizabeth II. Sitter in 32 portraits.
- Queen Elizabeth II (1926-), Queen regnant. Sitter associated with 967 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Cecil Beaton (1904-1980), Photographer, designer and writer. Artist associated with 1112 portraits, Sitter associated with 361 portraits.
Portrait setback to top
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1964back to top
Current affairsHarold Wilson narrowly wins the general election for the Labour Party, the first of his four election victories.
Peter Allen and Gwynne Evans become the last people to be executed in the United Kingdom before capital punishment was abolished in 1965.
The Sun newspaper replaces the Daily Herald.
Art and scienceTop of the Pops begins its rein as the longest running television music show. The first broadcast was presented by Jimmy Savile and included the Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, The Hollies and The Beatles, who were the show's first number 1 with I Want to Hold Your Hand.
InternationalThe Civil Rights Act is passed in the USA, outlawing discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex or national origin. The Act abolished the 'Jim Crow Laws' in the Southern States, making forced segregation illegal.
After spending two years in prison Nelson Mandela is sentenced to Life in Prison for the crimes of sabotage and crimes equivalent to treason against the Republic of South Africa.
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